The objectives of the research are to : (1) develop novel assessment methodologies for evaluation of the risks and potential pay-offs of new technologies that avoid pollutant production; ( 2) to demonstrate the methodology via a detailed case study of one promising new pollution prevention technology; and ( 3) to utilize a tiered approach including process simulation and design optimization, probabilistic analysis, life cycle analysis (LCA), and assessment of selected regional environmental impacts to provide insights regarding the risks and pay-offs of the pollution prevention approach, both at a micro process-level and at a macro regional environmental level. Variability and uncertainty in the inputs to the process models will be quantified as probability distributions. The probabilistic process will be applied to model validation, analysis, and optimization case studies. The effect of life cycle changes on atmospheric transport and transformation of air pollutants, and subsequent health and other effects will be considered in an integrated assessment case study. This project will be jointly funded by NSF and EPA.
